Photo: Five top prospects for the 2016 NHL Draft were the guests of the NHL during the Stanley Cup Final, with forwards (L-R) Pierre-Luc Dubois, Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, Patrik Laine, and Alexander Nylander taking Game Four in San Jose (courtesy of Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

While the 2016 NHL Draft lacks some of the drama that was provided leading up to last year’s draft, when Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel vied for the right to go first overall, there is nevertheless some very good talent to be had at the top of this year’s event. And even beyond the top 5, NHL clubs drafting in the first round should be able to land some good talent that will almost certainly suit up for NHL action in the not too distant future. Read more»

Photo: Ottawa Senators prospect Ben Harpur has the hardest shot among the organization’s prospects. The first year pro appeared in ECHL, AHL, and NHL games this season. (Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Ottawa Senators took a beating this year in both the NHL and AHL, but there was still plenty for fans to get excited about—and each Hockey’s Future award category has a clear winner.

Ottawa doesn’t have any prospects in the OHL or WHL right now, which is probably why the system is underestimated so often. The team’s biggest stories and best players are all found in the QMJHL, NCAA, and SHL. Read more»

Photo: Boston College center and Ottawa Senators prospect Colin White had a stellar season as a sophomore, finishing second on his team in scoring with 43 points in 37 games. (courtesy Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)

The Ottawa Senators may not have any big names playing in the limelight of the OHL, but that doesn’t mean their system is in any trouble. Don’t let the team’s lack of Ontario-based prospects or AHL success fool you – much of the next big wave of talent will come from the NCAA and Sweden.

Of course, the team is no stranger to drafting overseas – a great deal of the modern team’s success can be attributed to scouting overseas. This year’s crop is no different, and once again the Senators boast a glut of Swedish prospects who have become larger assets than their middling draft positions indicate. Read more»

Photo: Ottawa Senators defenseman Cody Ceci is tied for fourth in scoring by a defenseman at the 2016 IIHF World Championship, posting one goal and four assists in six games for the unbeaten Canadian squad (courtesy of Pavel Bednyakov/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

The next generation of Canadian defensemen.

That’s what they’re saying about the crop of defenders that have come out of the 2012 NHL Draft, and six of those are currently playing for Team Canada at the IIHF World Championship in Russia. Read more»

Photo: Linkoping defenseman and Chicago Blackhawks prospect Gustav Forsling has completed his second SHL season, picking up 24 points in 54 games in 2015-16 (courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The SHL has in recent years churned out products for NHL bluelines, and the 2015-16 season has been no different. Once again a number of different young veterans and overagers have bloomed to the tune of NHL offers, with former Vancouver Canucks draft pick Henrik Tommernes likely leading the group. Read more»